PRACTICE AREA

Auto Accident

NYC Auto Accident Attorneys

Car accidents are traumatic and can cause severe and life-altering injuries. At The Cochran Firm in NYC, we will help you navigate the claims process and recover the compensation you need to cover your damages and expenses. It is important to note there are strict time limits imposed by New York State’s No Fault Insurance laws that require action within a matter of days of an auto accident. Failure to act quickly could hurt an individual’s right to recover compensation.

It can be confusing to know what to do after you’ve been in a car accident, especially if you are injured. Serious and devastating injuries can impact your ability to work and often require expensive medical expenses. If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies serve their own best interests first and are dedicated to increasing their profits. A personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, will serve your best interests and is committed to getting you every penny you deserve.

The Cochran Firm automobile accident attorneys have the experience to handle a wide range of auto accident cases. Our lawyers have a long history and tradition of obtaining some of the largest verdicts and settlements of any law firm serving New York.

Types of Auto Accidents We Handle

Although there have been significant technological advancements and improvements in car safety and in road design, motor vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of serious injury in the United States. We work with victims who have been in accidents involving cars, trucks, buses, semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and motorcycles. The most common types of automobile accidents we handle are:

Rear-end Collision

Rear-end collisions represent about 19-32% of all vehicle accidents, often causing serious injuries. The most common injuries from rear-end accidents are whiplash, fractured bones, spinal cord, and soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries involve ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles and cannot be seen with an x-ray and insurance companies may dispute the claim of injury. If you suffer serious or soft tissue injuries, our New York rear-end collision lawyers can help you recover lost wages and medical expenses, and compensation for your pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Head-on Collision

A head-on accident might be one of the most frightening types of collision. This occurs when the front-end of two vehicles crash into each other, or when a vehicle crashes into an object like a light pole, fence or tree. These serious accidents can result in severe injuries, such as brain injury, paralysis, multiple broken bones and sometimes even death.

Driver Error or Driver Negligence

Drivers are expected to drive safely, use car signals correctly and follow the rules of the road. Failing to use reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle can result in driver negligence. The most common errors drivers make are:

Failure to yield to the right of way
Following too closely
Driving above the speed limit
Driving while intoxicated/driving under the influence/drunk driving
Disregard for traffic lights and signs
Reckless and impatient driving

Distraction to Vehicle Driver

Distracted driving has become an increasing cause of car accidents. Anything that diverts your attention away from driving can be a distraction. Common distractions while driving include:

Talking on a cell phone or using a navigation system
Texting while driving
Makeup application
Changing the radio station or other music device
Eating and drinking

Failure to Properly Maintain and Service the Car, Truck or Bus

Drivers are required to make sure their vehicles are safe to drive by keeping them well maintained and routinely serviced. Failure to properly maintain and service tires, the trailer, brake system and ignoring mechanical issues can reduce the driver’s ability to control the automobile and cause an accident. We see this often, especially with commercial vehicles. Colliding with a commercial truck, bus, 18-wheeler, big rig and other similarly sized commercial vehicle can be catastrophic. If you are in an auto accident, our experienced commercial truck accident lawyers will conduct a comprehensive investigation and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Road Defect or Negligent Design of the Roadway

Many auto accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness of motorists. However, some motor vehicle accidents are caused by the negligent design, plan or maintenance of the road, street or highway. Roadway defects involving the design of the roadway include:

A defective roadway or highway design
Construction or debris on the roadway
Inadequate maintenance of the roadway i.e. Failure to treat icy conditions
Poor Lighting
Improper Signage

Product Liability or Auto Manufacturing Defect

Some accidents are simply the result of faulty equipment or a defect in the vehicle. This can include brake failure, tire blowout or mechanical failure. Often, the defect will cause the car accident to be considerably worse. A few examples of auto manufacturing defects include:

SUVs more likely to roll over during the accident
Ignition of the gas tank in a collision
Manufacturing defect which causes a seat belt failure
Failure of an airbag to deploy properly

Road Rage

Road rage accidents occur when an angry driver makes a mistake while operating a motor vehicle. Typical signs of road rage include tailgating, speeding, running red lights and swerving in and out of traffic. Victims of road rage accidents can suffer physical, emotional, and financial distress. If you are the victim of a road rage accident, it is important to contact an NYC Cochran Firm personal injury attorney to handle your case as soon as possible.

Pedestrian Injuries

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist can be devastating. If the accident occurred because of the negligence of someone else and you’ve suffered injuries, our personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle, Bus and Truck Accidents

What to Do After an Accident
It’s never easy to know what to do after you’ve been in a car accident. It can be a confusing and overwhelming time, especially if you were injured. What you do next can impact the outcome of any legal claim you make. Here’s what to do:

Call the police. They will prepare an official legal record showing who was involved and what happened in the motor vehicle accident.
Get the names and addresses of everyone involved in the accident as well as any witnesses may have seen the accident.
Take photographs of the accident scene. This includes damage to vehicles, license plates, drivers, the position of vehicles on the roadway, injuries you suffered and the nearest street signs.
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained.
Always speak to your attorney before speaking to an insurance company. Do not accept any offers, sign any forms or make any statements to the insurance company without the advice of an attorney.
Call The Cochran Firm in New York City at (212) 553-9215.

The Cochran Firm – Experienced Attorneys Who Get Results

The lawyers at The Cochran Firm in New York have extensive experience in handling car, truck, and bus accident cases, including cases where people have suffered injuries ranging from broken bones to neck, brain and spinal cord injuries. Our personal injury lawyers have the skills and resources necessary to pursue compensation for lost wages and medical and other expenses.

The Cochran Firm is a highly accomplished personal injury firm. With a combination of courtroom skills and dedicated work ethic, The Cochran Firm NYC can represent you and get you the results you deserve.

Any auto accident can be an extremely traumatic and difficult experience. The New York personal injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm are here to help you. Regardless of whether the accident was a fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, our motor vehicle accident attorneys are here to help you and provide answers and direction 24/7. Call us today at (212) 553-9215 to speak to a New York car accident lawyer.